Skate the Park returns to Echo Valley Provincial Park

Saskatchewan’s provincial parks are ready for winter.

A media release issued Wednesday by the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport listed a variety of events and programs that are about to start in parks around the province — provided Old Man Winter arrives.

Skate the Park

Visitors to Echo Valley Provincial Park can once again Skate the Park starting Boxing Day (weather permitting).

The ministry said the 800-metre loop allows skaters “to glide between the trees under thousands of lights.” There’s also a warming shelter nearby so skaters can stay comfortable.

The loop will be open until early March, subject to weather conditions. It’s to be open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Fridays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It’s closed for maintenance on Mondays and Tuesdays, except for Boxing Day.

Echo Valley Provincial Park also features the Ninja Warrior Course, a crokicurl rink, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails, a dog park and more.

Guided winter programs

Snowshoeing is one of the activities available in provincial parks this winter. (Government of Saskatchewan/Submitted)

Guided snowshoe hikes and Nordic skiing will be available every Saturday from Jan. 6 until March 2 at several provincial parks. Those include:

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park: 2 p.m. — Life in the Lodgepoles Snowshoe Hike; 7 p.m. — Galaxies and Moonbeams Snowshoe Hike.

Buffalo Pound Provincial Park: 1 p.m. — Snowy Safari Snowshoe; 3:30 p.m. — Snowshoe through the Past.

Echo Valley Provincial Park: 2 p.m. — New to Nordic; 6:30 p.m. — Whimsical Wanderings Snowshoe Stroll.

The guided programs are free with a valid park entry permit. Equipment is available on a first-come first-served basis.

Those programs will be cancelled if temperatures are expected to be -26 C (with or without the windchill). All pre-registrants will be notified if the events are cancelled.

Camping out

Campsites are available at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, and Echo Valley and Buffalo Pound provincial parks.

Camp-Easy yurts or tents are available until March 15 at $85 per night. Nightly camping in electrical sites is available at $29 per night.

Other options

In-park businesses will be offering a variety of options, including dog sledding, restaurants, new accommodations, saunas, fat biking and more.

A valid park vehicle entry permit is required to visit the provincial parks Annual permits are available at a discounted rate of $45 and are valid until April 30, while daily permits are available for $11.

To buy a permit or for more information on the programs, visit the Sask Park’s website.